Planning a trip to Indonesia...safe to go?

[beir]

Well, I'm planning to go to Indonesia (Jakarta) soon and I'm just wondering if I should go now. The US State Dept. just released a travel warning which concerns me. Any status from locals or advice would be appreciated.

Warning: http://travel.state.gov/indonesia_warning.html

Thanks

 

[Bora_Horza]

Well... there is a small risk (as there is in any country in the world these days!), and while I've not been to Jakarta I've been on backpacking/diving trips to other parts of
Indonesia over the last couple of years, and I've found the people to be really friendly and welcoming in general. Personally I would have no worries about returning there. Some more info and opinions from other tourists/backpackers at:

http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com/categories.cfm?catid=23

Read in particular the 'sticky' FAQ thread at the top of this forum...

 

[meisburger]

Well, I'm planning to go to Indonesia (Jakarta) soon and I'm just wondering if I should go now. The US State Dept. just released a travel warning which concerns me. Any status from locals or advice would be appreciated.

Warning: http://travel.state.gov/indonesia_warning.html

Thanks

Well Beir, I'm also from Northern Virginia, and I live in Jakarta with my wife and two kids. I don't think there is any danger here now, but you should be aware that there will be a Presidential election on July 5.

If you are just coming to Jakarta on business, it is possible to get some dives in on a weekend or even a day trip. The closest diving is in the Thousand Islands, a group just off the coast. Not the best in Indonesia, but coral and warm water and a lot of tropical fish. Typical visiblity is about seven meters (22 feet to you), which is not great for photography, but fine compared to the Potomac.

If you can get out of Jakarta your options are endless, with Bali being easy and excellent, and Manado my personal favorite (also perhaps the best diving in the world!).

Cheers, Tim

 

[calypsonick]

Beir,

You may want to consider East Timor on your travel itinerary. Although a bit sparse when it comes to art markets, shopping malls and fancy hotels it is a great addition to your Bali visit, where you can get all that non-diving stuff out of the way first ;o)

I did a week on Bunaken island and have to say that the coral seems in much better shape here than in the Bunaken marine park. There seemed to be more big fish in Bunaken but less colorful coral and the critters associated with it than in East Timor.

You can grab a Merpati flight from Denpasar, Bali for ~$250 r/t and spend a fes days here with us. Our dive club can set you up with some buddies and dive guides.

Hope to see you here.